VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — April 11, 2026 — In just its first year of existence, Team Partnership, a 17U AAU boys basketball team from Gates County, North Carolina, has made history.
The upstart program captured the championship at the VBFH Spring Break Challenge on Saturday at the Virginia Beach Field House, edging the Red Wolves of Newport News in a nail-biting 44–43 victory in the title game.
The championship contest came down to the final moments, with Team Partnership holding off a late push from the Red Wolves to secure the one-point win and complete an impressive tournament run.
For the players, the victory was about more than just the scoreboard.
“Winning isn’t just about scoring more points, it’s about playing for each other,” said team member Jaylen Perry. “When a team has heart, trusts one another, and gives everything they’ve got, that’s when real victory happens. I am grateful to be experiencing this with my close friends.”
Team Partnership is sponsored by Gates County Community Partnership and was created with a mission that extends beyond basketball. The program focuses on positively influencing young athletes in life while helping develop their skills on the court. A goal is to supplement the athletic program at Gates County High School.
Participation on the team is free, with all expenses covered by grant funding, through Gates County Community Partnership. This aligns with a core tenet of the organization.
“I would like to thank Gates County Community Partnership for sponsoring this basketball team,” said team parent Tonita Eure. “I am always for whatever and whomever is there to help our children better themselves as athletes and young people. This initiative is great for these boys. It keeps them busy, physically fit, and engaged in basketball.”
Head Coach and General Manager Katron “Tron” Greene emphasized that while the championship is a significant milestone, the program’s deeper purpose remains unchanged.
“For me winning the tournament wasn’t the biggest thing,” Greene said. “It really is about these kids getting better for their upcoming season and growing as young men. They have phenomenal basketball coaches at Gates County High School: Kaila Ballard is a Gates County legend and future Hall of Famer, Jamie Cherry was a hoop star at UNC, and LB Wolfrey is one of the best point guards to come out of Gates County. So I thank God first, and then the high school coaches for their players. We won’t let you or these kids down.”
The championship victory marks a strong beginning for a program built on community support, mentorship, and development. According to organizers, the team’s primary focus during the tournament was ensuring that every player received the best learning experience possible.
“We are excited for the kids who decided to be a part of Team Partnership,” said Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “This was our very first competition and the goal for this tournament was to make sure everyone had significant playing time. Under the superior leadership of Coach Tron Greene, who has coached at the high school and college levels, we were able to bring home the trophy! I am so proud of our team. This is just the beginning!”
After reflecting on the championship victory, participant Cruz Cardoza emphasized, “We are going to “keep learning” until the “l” disappears.”